Okay, so originally this was gonna be a one shot, but then I realized how long it was getting so I've decided to publish it in two or three chapters instead. For those of you reading my multi-chapter, I know I haven't updated in a long time, but I just haven't been feeling it. Not sure if I'll get back to it at all, but I've decided these short ones are pretty fun so maybe there will be more. We'll see...
I can't take this shit anymore. I mean seriously, this is ridiculous. Dante's mind was made up. He and Lulu needed to get the hell out of town. Now.
"We're going somewhere" he said, turning to face Lulu after the door closed behind his mother.
Lulu was sitting at the foot of his bed, hair mussed and clothes slightly askew. "What are you talking about?" She looked confused and a little worried at the seriousness of his tone.
"I'm talking about the fact that we can't seem to get any alone time. I'm talking about being sick of the endless parade of visitors. I'm talking about wanting you for hours without interruption, without cell phones. I'm just talking about us, Lulu." He placed himself in front of her, putting his hands on her arms and lifting her from the bed to a standing position. "We're going somewhere."
He stepped back then, reaching behind him for the jacket that was draped on the chair by his desk and handed it to her. Lulu was still a little stunned, but took the coat and bent to retrieve her purse from the floor. "What exactly do you have in mind?"
"I'll figure it out as we go. For now, we're gonna go to your place so you can pick up some stuff. Enough things for two days, okay?" He turned his back to her and opened his small closet, searching for a duffel bag. A few moments later, he was filling it hastily.
"Why two days?" Lulu asked, pulling her arms through the sleeves of her jacket.
"Because I have to be back for the start of Sonny's trial." Lulu looked at Dante cautiously, not knowing whether to comfort him or ignore the implications from such a statement.
He looked over his shoulder at her, saw her hesitation. "Believe me, I would much rather disappear with you for a week, a month even, but this will have to do for now." He saw she still looked anxious and so put down his bag and walked to her, pulling her into his arms with a strength that had been steadily increasing since his release from the hospital two weeks earlier. "This isn't about that though. This is about us, about me needing us right now and everything else to just fall away."
He took a step back, still holding her warm body and kissed her mouth hungrily. Lulu moaned in surprise and then responded by pulling him closer by his collar. A moment later, much too soon for either of them, Dante pulled back and opened his eyes slowly, letting out a long breath against her face. Lulu felt drugged. Everything about him intoxicated her.
"Come on." He reached down for her hand, grabbing his unzipped duffel bag and leading her to the door.
Two hours and much negotiating on Lulu's part later, they were on the road, headed to nowhere in particular. "Phone turned off?" Dante asked, stealing a glance to his right as he pulled onto the highway.
Lulu made a face. "Yeah, but I feel bad leaving Maxie with so much work."
Dante couldn't help but laugh. "What did she make you promise her this time?"
"Believe me when I say you don't want to know." Lulu rolled her eyes and Dante's eyebrows lifted.
"Oh really? Now I'm intrigued…"
Lulu smiled and laughed, but didn't elaborate. "Just drive."
"Fine, fine." Dante returned his attention to the road and Lulu rotated towards the window just as they passed the sign indicating their departure from Port Charles.
After driving for about an hour, Dante pulled into a service station to fill up. Lulu waited in the car while he went inside to pay. She fidgeted in her seat, glancing nervously towards the convenience store entrance, feeling self-conscious for the first time since Dante had sprung his plan on her. It was silly, she thought. She was more than ready to sleep with him, had tried on several occasions already. Why then was she so nervous? She rubbed the palms of her hands against her jeans in an attempt to dry them. Seriously, I'm sweating now? What the hell?
She flipped down the visor in front of her and examined her face in the small mirror. Would he be able to tell how scared she was?
After paying for the fill-up, Dante asked the cashier if there were any unbelievably romantic spots in the area. His grin was infectious and the forty-something woman behind the counter blushed while telling him about a bed and breakfast not too far from the main road. "It's on the water," she added while drawing a makeshift map on the back of his receipt.
Dante's eyes lit up and he thanked her before pocketing the slip of paper and turning for the door. He had a great sense of direction and decided he probably wouldn't need to look at the map again. He was aware of his good fortune at having found a place without a plan, but he hoped it wasn't a total disappointment. He decided not to tell Lulu where they were going just in case it looked like a dump. If that was the case, he could drive past it and she would never be the wiser. And if it wasn't, well he didn't want to give away the surprise.
Dante got back in the car and turned to smile at Lulu before starting the ignition. "You ready?"
Lulu couldn't stop the heat that flooded her face and neck. She knew he was just asking her if she was ready to leave, but the question seemed so loaded after where her mind had just been. "I guess so," she answered almost timidly. Dante didn't seem to notice her hesitation and she was grateful. He pulled out and back onto the main road. "Any idea where we're going?" she asked.
"Maybe," he answered smoothly, flashing a hint of a dimple. Lulu relaxed and felt her own smile spread.
I'm gonna send that cashier flowers, Dante thought as a two hundred plus year old house in impeccable condition came into view, a sign at the end of the long driveway indicating it was the bed and breakfast he was looking for. There were three other cars in the small lot near the front of the house and he was relieved to see a small hanging sign on the door that indicated travelers were welcome.
"This is gorgeous…" Lulu was in awe, her eyes scanning the magnificent home and the stunning lawn with the faintest hint of recently fallen snow. "How'd you find this place?" she turned her gaze to Dante, only to find him staring at her with a mixture of amusement and intensity. "What?" She felt herself going hot again under his gaze.
"Nothing. I just love watching you." Dante's eyes searched her face, settling on her lips. She moistened them with her tongue and Dante let out a soft growl before putting the car in park and removing his seat belt. Lulu expected him to lean in to kiss her, but was disappointed when he opened his car door and bounded from his seat.
After a moment to gather herself, she too unfastened her belt and made to open her door. Dante got there first however, and offered his hand to help her from her seat. Once he had her standing in front of him, Dante assaulted her mouth with his, pushing her body against the door frame, his hands at her hips. Lulu's arms settled above his shoulders and she lifted herself on tiptoes, stretching her body fully against his. His tongue was caressing the inside of her mouth and Lulu was now completely unaware of her surroundings. All she could concentrate on was the intense feeling of need her body was now projecting to his. All self-consciousness forgotten, Lulu moved one arm away from his shoulder and positioned the palm of her hand against the front of his jeans. She wanted to feel his desire for her, had to know that his body needed her as much as hers needed him.
She wasn't disappointed, finding him strained and hard against his jeans. Dante pulled away abruptly, his eyes searching Lulu's face again, but this time his were almost embarrassed. "Lulu," he started, sounding slightly shocked.
She blushed profusely and gave him an apologetic smile. "Sorry. Maybe we should go inside?"
She moved past him and walked to the trunk of the car, indicating he should open it. After a few seconds of collecting himself, he did so and pulled both their bags out, waving Lulu away when she tried to take her own from him.
They ascended the porch steps and opened the front door to find an empty foyer. A string of small bells hanging on the door announced their presence and a few short moments later, an elderly man appeared, wiping his hands with a worn dishtowel.
"Well hello there, folks! What can I do for you?" The man walked behind a narrow counter and pulled out a large guestbook.
"We were hoping for a room. For two nights?" Dante hoped his desperation wasn't evident.
"Ah well, rooms we definitely have. Not exactly our busy season, you see," he winked at the couple. "Fill out this information here and we'll get you all settled." He pushed a single sheet of paper and a pen along the counter in front of Dante. After filling it out and handing over a credit card, Dante was given a stack of brochures about the area. "My wife and I run this place so if you need anything at all, please don't hesitate to ask. The name's Walter," he took Dante's hand in a firm but friendly handshake. "Let me show you to your room," he walked out from behind the counter and indicated they should follow him up the stairs.
"Dinner's at six and in the small dining room downstairs. Breakfast is from six to eight in our sun room and then lunch is pretty much whenever you like. Just be sure to call downstairs at least thirty minutes before you want it." Walter opened the third door down the long hallway and stepped inside to turn on the lights before handing the key to Dante.
The room was furnished much like one would expect in a house of its age and size but neither Dante nor Lulu could focus on much past the large canopied bed against the far wall. Walter pointed out the attached bathroom as well as the double French doors that opened onto a small balcony overlooking the river. They thanked him and Walter reminded them that dinner was in forty minutes before taking his leave.
After closing the door behind him, Dante turned just as Lulu plopped herself onto the edge of the bed. "How did you find this place?"
Dante walked towards her, placing their bags on a wide upholstered bench at the foot of the bed. "Don't you know I'm just full of surprises, baby?" he teased.
"You are at that." Lulu laughed when Dante crawled onto the bed, pushing her onto her back and hovering above her. His smile was wide as his eyes searched hers and he bent to place gentle kisses on her cheeks, nose, forehead, every other place but her lips. Finally he allowed his lips to brush hers, but only for a short moment before he lifted himself and once again stood in front of the bed.
Lulu couldn't help the sound of disappointment that escaped her upon his departure and Dante chuckled. "You heard the man, dinner's in forty minutes. Believe me when I say what I have planned will last much much longer than forty minutes." He winked and turned to open his duffel bag, removing a handful of items and disappearing through the bathroom door.
Lulu felt flushed and was once again struck with self-consciousness. She knew she was ready, more than in fact, but she felt butterflies nonetheless. What if after all this time, all this anticipation, he was disappointed by actually having her? Lulu shook her head briskly and got up from the bed. I have to stop doing this to myself.
Dante came out of the bathroom a few minutes later, having changed into a simple pair of slacks and a button up shirt, but no tie. He was devastatingly handsome, standing there barefoot, Lulu thought. It occurred to her what an odd observation that should be, but it was true. There was something about him that made her find the simplest and most insignificant things irresistible.
"What are you staring at?" Dante pulled her out of her own thoughts.
She smiled coyly, grabbing her whole bag and walking past him. "Just enjoying the view, handsome," she answered over her shoulder before closing the bathroom door.
Dante smiled to himself and sat on the bench to put on his socks and shoes. Once he was good to go, he called out to Lulu, telling her he would meet her downstairs in half an hour. She was happy to have some alone time to get ready. After how his appearance had affected her, she wanted to be sure to equally affect him.
Lulu turned away from the small vanity and observed a stand-up shower in the corner and a large claw-foot tub against the wall. Big enough for two? she wondered. Having only thirty minutes to get dolled up, Lulu got back to business. She pulled out a black cotton skirt that fell just above the knee from her bag, along with a light blue low-cut blouse. Just to be sure he was sufficiently wowed, Lulu also took out the brand new lingerie she hadn't had a chance to wear yet. That should do the trick.
Knowing that she didn't have sufficient time to do her hair, Lulu did something that would have horrified Maxie—she threw it into a messy bun. Still, she had to admit that on her it looked purposefully crafted, held in place by a shimmering silver clip, a few wisps of hair framing her face. With only five minutes to spare, Lulu slipped on simple heels and gave herself a quick once over before exiting the bathroom.
Dante was waiting at the bottom of the stairs, staring expectantly at the top. Lulu smiled when she saw him and his face too lit up when she came into view. His eyes scanned her body hungrily and when she was finally in front of him, his hands found her waist. He pulled her body to his and his lips caressed the softness near her ear. "You are unbelievably gorgeous," he whispered, sending chills through her entire body. As he pulled away, she winked at him and giggled before taking his hand in her own.
He led them into the dining room where there were five other people already seated. Walter waved at them and pointed towards a table near the window, far removed from the rest of the guests. Lulu eyed him suspiciously as he pulled out a chair for her.
"What?" he laughed.
"Don't 'what' me. What exactly do you have up your sleeve, Mr. Falconeri?" Lulu placed the napkin in her lap while Dante took his place across from her.
"Why Ms. Spencer, I don't know what you mean." His eyes were shining as his smile widened as far as it would go.
"Uh huh, sure you don't." She tilted her head towards him, but he looked down at his lap, the smile still spread on his face. "Fine. Keep your secrets then," she sighed and picked up her water glass to take a sip.
After dinner, Dante pulled out Lulu's chair once again and took her hand in the crook of his arm. "How about a walk?" he asked.
A part of Lulu was relieved that they weren't going straight upstairs. She had been so nervous all through dinner that she had hardly eaten anything. She agreed and then added, "My jacket's upstairs though."
"Not a problem. Wait right here and I'll go get it." He ascended the stairs two at a time and returned moments later with both their coats. "Shall we?" he held out his arm to her again.
Behind the house was a large garden with numerous paths that led to other parts of the grounds and the riverbank. They decided to stay on the easiest path that circled the main garden so as not to chance slipping on icy surfaces. Lulu was grateful given her attire. Maybe tomorrow they could be more adventurous when she was in jeans, tennis shoes and a heavy sweatshirt.
"You were awfully quiet during dinner," Dante observed as they rounded their first curve in the path.
"Was I?" she responded thoughtfully. She lifted her eyes to his and saw a nervousness reflected there.
"Is everything okay? I mean, I realize I kinda dragged you out of town, but I thought it was what you wanted. Was I wrong?" Where Dante had been so confident moments before, he now seemed to be filled with doubt.
"Not at all!" Lulu assured him, stopping her stride and turning to face him fully. "It's just…I'm just…this is embarrassing." She dropped her eyes to her feet before continuing. "I guess I'm just a little nervous is all."
Dante lifted her chin with his right hand, pulling her gaze back to his. "I'm nervous too," he admitted, allowing a small smile to light his face. "But I know this is what I want."
"Me too," Lulu breathed and Dante's lips were on hers in the next moment. His arms wrapped around her, pulling her close as his lips and tongue tasted her mouth. Lulu's hands dove into Dante's hair and held his face as close to hers as possible. Eventually they had to pull apart long enough to breathe and their eyes settled on one another, but they did not release the other from their hold.
"I love you, Lulu." Dante whispered the words, his hot breath warming her cold face while his admission warmed the rest of her.
"I love you too." Dante's right hand found the back of her neck and pulled her face back to his. This time their kiss was slow and passionate, their tongues taking time to taste and caress, reveling in the sensations there.
The butterflies in Lulu's stomach had been replaced by something much more visceral. All doubt and fear forgotten, she pulled her lips from his and placed them near his ear. "Can we please go back to our room now?" she whispered, this time sending chills through his entire body.
"Definitely." Dante reached his hand to take hers and they turned back toward the house, walking purposefully but not quickly.